The North Charleston Police Department is working with Gwinnett County investigators to determine if criminal charges should be filed.

Attorney Giles Sexton told Diamant his sophomore client was cleared of sexual misconduct, but the suspension was upheld on appeal.

“My client told me from the beginning he never saw anything of the nature, which was described in the allegations as it relates to sexual battery,” Sexton said. “I still feel that based on his level of involvement, his sanction is too high.”

Sexton said he thinks the ruling to drop bullying and encouragement violations will help his client in the criminal investigation.

A Channel 2 Action News employee is related to one of the boys in the case. The employee has not been involved in our coverage and has taken a leave of absence to give their family full attention.